With its latest updates, the Apple Watch has become an essential tool for tracking and managing your health. The ability to measure blood pressure adds even more convenience. But does the Apple Watch track blood pressure on its own?
Keep reading to discover more about measuring blood pressure with the Apple Watch and some of the best apps compatible with it. We’ll also discuss the accuracy of these measurements and explore the benefits of monitoring your blood pressure with an Apple Watch.
Can You Take Your Blood Pressure With Your Apple Watch?
No, you cannot take blood pressure with your Apple Watch. But you can use it for blood pressure readings by connecting it to a medically validated blood pressure monitor. Not all blood pressure monitors can sync with the watch, so choose a compatible device for reading accuracy.
Measuring blood pressure requires applying pressure to the arteries with a cuff wrapped around your arm. The Apple Watch isn’t equipped with a monitor or a pressure cuff, so you can’t use it to measure blood pressure.
3 Best Blood Pressure Monitors Compatible With Apple Watch
Here are the three best blood pressure apps for Apple Watch:
1. Withings Blood Pressure Monitor
This smart blood pressure monitor is popular for its convenience in taking your blood pressure at home. It is stylish, comfortable, compact, and medically validated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The monitor gives instant color-coded feedback and creates a chart of all your past measurements for easy tracking through its Health Mate app.
You can sync the app with your Apple Watch via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Apple Health is also compatible with the app.
2. QardioArm Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
QardioArm is another clinically tested and proven blood pressure monitor. It is fully compatible with Apple Health and can wirelessly connect to your Apple Watch via Bluetooth.
The Qardio Heart Health app lets you track your blood pressure readings and directly share them with your Apple Watch.
It can also automatically synchronize the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and allow you to set reminders. Once you pair it with your Apple Watch, the monitor will automatically inflate when you press the green button.
3. Omron Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
The Omron Evolv Wireless blood pressure monitor is highly accurate, less expensive, compact, and easily portable.
On top of that, it comes with a built-in screen that displays your readings, making it convenient to check your blood pressure without having to consult your phone every time.
The Omron Connect app lets you connect the monitor to your Apple Watch and view your history and blood pressure patterns. It allows you to store up to 200 readings on your Apple Watch and track the blood pressure of two different users simultaneously.
How to Measure Your Blood Pressure With an Apple Watch
As established earlier, you cannot check blood pressure with an Apple Watch alone. You must pair the device with a compatible blood pressure monitoring app to facilitate the process.
Follow these steps to measure blood pressure on your Apple Watch with a compatible app:
Step 1: Pair Your “Apple Watch” to the External Blood Pressure Monitoring Device
Ensure you have installed the blood pressure monitor’s reading app on your Apple Watch. You can connect the device either via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Step 2: Put the “Blood Pressure Cuff” on Your Arm
Sit comfortably and ensure the cuff is wrapped properly around your upper arm at heart level.
Step 3: Start the “Blood Pressure Measurement” Feature on the App
Step 4: Wait for the App to Take Your Measurement
For accurate readings, stay still during the process. The cuff will deflate after taking the measurements.
If you’re using your Apple Watch for ECG monitoring and it suddenly stops working, our article about fixing an Apple Watch that’s not working can help you.
Step 5: Check the Blood Pressure Readings on Your Apple Watch Screen
Does the Apple Watch Accurately Measure Blood Pressure?
Yes, the Apple Watch can accurately measure blood pressure readings when used with a reliable monitor. However, the readings may not be as reliable as those in a hospital or a validated medical setting. Proper positioning, user technique, and calibration can affect the readings.
Factors such as skin conditions, ambient temperature, or movements can also impact the accuracy of the readings. To ensure accuracy, you can improve the cuff placement on your arm and remain relaxed.
You can also take multiple readings at the same time of day. Avoid consuming stimulants that can temporarily elevate your blood pressure, such as nicotine or caffeine, before taking your blood pressure.
Did your watch’s battery go low while you’re monitoring your blood pressure? Good news! You can now charge your Apple Watch with your iPhone.
Benefits of Using Apple Watch to Measure Blood Pressure
These are the benefits of using an Apple Watch to measure your blood pressure:
- Convenience.
The Apple Watch allows you to measure blood pressure anywhere, anytime, without visiting the doctor’s clinic. This makes it more convenient, especially if you’re busy or can’t access medical facilities. - Alerts.
You can set up your Apple Watch to send alerts and notifications whenever your blood pressure exceeds specific thresholds. This can be especially helpful for people with blood pressure issues, reminding them to take necessary action. -
Keeps Your Health in Check.
The Apple Watch helps you monitor your blood pressure trends and patterns, giving you insights to modify your lifestyle and medications.
- Potential for Early Detection.
Regular blood pressure monitoring enables early detection of changes or abnormalities in your body. This allows for prompt medical attention, reducing the risks of hypertension and other health complications. - Integrates With Other Health Apps.
The Apple Watch can easily integrate with the Apple Health app, giving you a centralized hub to manage your health and fitness data. This helps you monitor your blood pressure readings with other health metrics such as sleep patterns or heart rate.
Can an Apple Watch Measure Blood Sugar
No, the Apple Watch cannot measure blood sugar independently. However, it can assist with blood sugar readings when an Apple Watch uses a glucose monitor to communicate wirelessly.
However, remember that Apple Watch’s blood sugar readings are not as accurate as those in a medical setting. The watch does not have the required sensors to measure sugar levels accurately.
It may also not be able to consider factors that can impact sugar levels, such as exercise, stress, or medication.
You Cannot Measure Blood Pressure With an Apple Watch
You can’t measure blood pressure with the Apple Watch alone. It can only take readings when connected to a compatible blood pressure monitor. Even then, the readings may not be as accurate as those from medical-grade devices.
So, while the Apple Watch can be convenient for tracking blood pressure, it’s not a substitute for medical-grade blood pressure measurement tools in a clinical setting. This is because accuracy is critical for diagnosis and treatment.
